If you consider yourself a true fashionista, then you’ll definitely want to know the top 5 famous jewelry lovers. Check them out!
Madonna is not only a legendary pop artist, she has also given fashion lovers some of the most iconic anthems such as “Vogue” and “Material Girl”. Never afraid to push the boundaries, Madonna has walked the Red Carpets wearing all types of jewelry: from classic earrings studded with large diamonds, to bohemian sterling silver Hamsa Hand necklaces.
Madonna has also inspired some accessories collections, and even ventured into fashion and jewelry design alongside her daughter.
Another singer with a soft spot for accessories, Mariah Carey owns quite a large jewelry collection, and she’s not afraid to flaunt it during any occasion. A fan of sparkly, large and eye-catching items, Carey has even designed some collections on her own.
Although we don’t know much about it, Carey’s collection might even rival that of other artists in the list, since even her ex-husband gave up on presenting her with more jewelry, since she already had too much.
Actresses are also inclined to fall for beautiful jewels! In the late 20s, German actress Marlene Dietrich conquered Hollywood with a unique and strong attitude. Although she became known for almost masculine roles, Dietrich, like most women, loved a good piece of jewelry.
As she collected more accessories, she began incorporating them into her roles. She loved her jewels so much, she would not take them off, even while she cooked!
Joan Crawford also adored jewelry, and was known for collecting a wide range of large accessories with precious and semi-precious stones. However, the artist was a fan of sapphires, and even received the nickname of “Joan Blue”, due to the color of her favorite gemstone.
The actress would also stack and layer rings and bracelets with large colorful stones, creating an extravagant but glamorous look that would become her personal signature.
Undoubtedly the most well-known famous jewelry lover, the gorgeous Elizabeth Taylor expressed her passion for accessories throughout her life, and even managed to own an amazing collection of beautiful items which could rival even those from the Royal Crown. Amongst them, people could find tiaras, bracelets, necklaces and rings, most of which were, unsurprisingly, gifts from lovers and admirers.
Her collection consisted mostly of jewelry with large gemstones, such as emeralds and diamonds; and also a wide amount of pearl necklaces, earrings and bracelets, including the largest pearl accessory in history, known as La Peregrina.
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Today, we take a look back before this weekend’s ceremony, and tell you the top fashion facts from the Oscars you might not know!
Sometimes the best fashion can’t be found directly at the Red Carpet but at the movies themselves. Since 1948, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences began recognizing the hard work of costume designers with a Best Costume Design award.
Talented designers like Irene Sharaff, Chales LeMaire, Jean Louis, Dorothi Jeakins and Collen Atwood, have all been honored with this award throughout the years, yet the costume designer with most Oscar nominations is legendary Edith Head.
Head participated in many films, designed for celebrities such as Mae West, Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman and Audrey Hepburn; received 35 nominations throughout her life, and finally won 8 Academy Awards, becoming the designer with most Oscars until today.
Although the Oscars are known nowadays for being a fashion show on its own, the extravagant ceremony we now recognize is quite different from the initial event held in 1929, when it was only a private dinner with an audience of barely 200 people.
It wasn’t until 1943 when the iconic jeweler Harry Winston began the trend of wearing luxurious accessories at the Red Carpet, as he designed diamond jewelry for actress Jennifer Jones. This game-changing piece forced celebrities to aim higher, and soon afterwards big names from the fashion world were attached to the actresses’ gowns until today.
What’s a dress without the proper accessory? Beautiful jewelry is a must-have at any Red Carpet, especially during the Oscars, when celebrities should shine brighter than ever, since it’s the most important event for the stars.
With so many diamonds, it’s not surprising that the cost of some of these accessories is unbelievably high. So: what’s the most expensive Oscars jewelry of all times?
The cost of the highest-valued Oscars accessory is $20 million, and it’s probably one of the most well-known pieces of jewelry in the world: it’s the sapphire and blue-diamond necklace inspired by the “Heart of the Ocean” featured in the iconic movie Titanic (1997). The jewel was worn to the ceremony by actress Gloria Stuart, whom played the older version of Rose and was nominated as Best Supporting Actress.
Beautiful flowing gowns are an essential part of the Oscars, and you can find designs for all tastes: from simple unicolor dresses to delicately embroidered ensembles. Yet, have you ever wondered how much one of them could cost? Well, according to the available information, Oscar dresses can be found in a range between a few thousands of dollars to even millions.
So, what’s the most expensive Oscars dress ever?
Surprisingly, it was Jennifer Lawrence’s 2013 Oscars dress. The beautiful strapless rose gown was designed by Dior Couture, and it has an estimated value of more than $4 million. The dress became famous after the actress tripped in it on her way to pick up the award for Best Actress, a tiny accident that actually gave the dress some extra promotion, increasing its value.
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Here are some of the best St. Valentine’s Day traditions from around the world you might want to know!
While the British also celebrate Valentine’s Day with candies and thoughtful gifts, some unique and curious traditions take place in each corner of the country. In some places, children are in charge of performing special songs and rewarded with small gifts; in others it’s traditional to bake buns with seeds or raisins, as a way of prompting fertility, and in regions of Norfolk, they believe in a Santa Clause-like character known as Jack Valentine, whom leaves presents for kids.
However, the most popular tradition is to write poems and verses for loved ones, as a way of honoring the work of British writers, whom penned some of the most iconic romantic poems of all times.
Sending a card to your better half is a common custom in most countries, but in Denmark, these items are quite unique. Originally, they were transparent cards that showed a picture of the lover when placed in the sun, while nowadays they tend to be regular cards, but with a more colorful and extravagant design.
Denmark is also known for its gaekkebrev, or joking letter. In this tradition, men write a funny rhyme to their loved ones, and leave only a clue of what their name is. If the recipient guesses the name of the sender correctly, she is then rewarded with a gift.
Unlike the rest of the world, Chinese people celebrate Valentine’s Day on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month with the Festival of the Double Sevens or Seven Sister’s Festival. In this event, Chinese couples and single people visit the Temple of the Matchmaker to pray for prosperity and happiness, while young unmarried maidens pray for maturity and for acquiring domestic skills.
The festival also include small customs that can help with fertility, such as decorating an ox’s horn with flowers, or women washing their hair to make it look fresh for the event.
Although it’s not a celebration of Valentine’s Day per se, this humorous tradition has become increasingly popular as an alternative for those who want to escape from the February 14th celebrations. Celebrated during the same day as Valentine’s Day by some, or on February 15th by others, this worldwide holiday induces those who are not in a relationship to engage in solo activities for their own amusement.
Nowadays, people are encouraged to dress in dark colors and visit countries where Valentine’s Day is not celebrated on that day, such as Brazil; or work as a volunteer to help others during the date.
In many Asian countries Valentine’s Day is celebrated a little differently than in the US. In places like Japan and Korea, on February 14th it’s men who receive chocolate and gifts from women. These items are usually homemade, since it’s believed that something crafted by the sender will embody true love.
A month later, on March 14th, men are expected to return the favor and send chocolate and gifts to the women who presented it to them on Valentine’s Day. This is known as the White Day, and has become a very popular custom since the 60s.
In Korea, Black Day is also celebrated. This event is exclusively for those who have no romantic relationships, as it’s traditional that single friends get together and consume jajang noodles, which have a black color.
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If you’ve heard about this holiday, yet know little about it, then you can read on and discover all about this celebration. Check it out!
Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday celebrated annually from December 26th to January 1st. The name derives from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, which means “first fruits” and refers to common harvest celebrations which took place in different cultures of Africa.
In 1966, in the midst of ethnic conflicts which took place in the United States, Dr. Maulana Karenga from the California State University, decided to rescue African-American values by presenting a social holiday which could help bring together people with African heritage. Thus, Kwanzaa was born as a week-long celebration in which family and friends could discuss and celebrate the seven principles of African culture -called Nguzo Saba.
Being mostly a social holiday, some families celebrate it alongside Christmas or other religious commemorations, and it has gained a worldwide popularity in recent years.
Every family celebrates Kwanzaa in a different and unique way, yet some basic rituals are shared amongst all the practitioners. One of the main traditions of Kwanzaa is the candle-lighting ceremony. Much like in Hanukah, families use a large candelabrum, called kinara, where they place seven candles: three red ones, three green ones and a black candle in the center.
Each candle represents one of the seven principles of African culture –unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith-, and each one is lighted throughout the week, usually by a child.
Another important ritual consists in drinking from the unity cup –kikombe cha umoja- and making a libation in honor of their ancestors. This occurs on the 6th day of the celebration, when the family gathers for the Karamu feast. Then, on the 7th day, celebrations conclude by exchanging gifts.
During Kwanzaa, the table must be decorated with a colorful mat –mkeka- and different foods which represent their history and celebrate fertility.
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However, when we take a look at the longest-running shows in the US, most of them have men as the main characters, which is why today we check out the top 5 longest-running TV series with female protagonists you should definitely give a try!
Following the success of I Love Lucy, beloved comedian Lucille Ball starred in two different sitcoms which were hugely popular. The shows ran from 1962 to 1968, and then from 1968 to 1974, with more than one hundred episodes each.
Both shows followed her adventures working in Los Angeles as a single mother of two, and Lucille Ball won several awards for her portrayal.
An unusual soap opera, this show premiered in 1951 on CBS and ran until 1980. Originally, the show featured two sisters: Vanessa and Meg Dale, whom represented both good and evil. Afterwards, the storyline changed, following Vanessa and her adventures.
The show had more than seven thousand episodes, and won a Daytime Emmy and a Writers Guild of America award.
Running from 1951 to 1986 on CBS and NBC, Search for Tomorrow was a soap opera centered on the character of Joanne Gardner, a well-behaved housewife whom had to fend for herself after losing her husband and managing a hotel business by herself.
The TV show surpassed the nine thousand episodes, and was discontinued after being considered too bland for modern audiences. However, it received several awards from the Daytime Emmys and the Writers Guild of America.
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Once one of the most popular shows from US television, this soap opera ran from 1970 to 2013 on ABC and The Online Network. The series focused on main heroine Erica Kane and her complex and multiple relationships, and surpassed the ten thousand episodes.
The show and its actors received more than three hundred nominations from the Daytime Emmy Awards and the Writers Guild of America.
Centered on the life of Victoria “Viki” Lord, this soap opera ran from 1968 to 2013 on ABC, for a grand total of more than eleven thousand episodes! The series tells the tough life experiences of Victoria, and also centers on her role as the matriarch of the Lord family, and the relationships between its members.
One life to live briefly transitioned from the TV to a web series, before being discontinued in 2013. Actress Erika Slezak, whom played Victoria, received six Daytime Emmy Awards for her portrayal, while the TV show received multiple awards and nominations.
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On the anniversary of Harry Winston’s donation of the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian, we take a look at the top 5 most famous jewels in the world, and we tell you a little bit about their origins and where they are now. Check it out!
Originally a fictitious jewel, the Heart of the Ocean was the necklace featured in the 1997 movie Titanic. It was supposedly a blue diamond first owned by king Louis XVI, and bought later on by one of the characters for his fiancée, played by Kate Winslet. However, the jewel didn’t exist at all, that is until the movie became a worldwide sensation.
The jewelers who created the original prop created two reproductions with real sapphires and diamonds, and they were worn by singer Celine Dion and actress Gloria Stuart during the Academy Awards ceremony. As of now, neither of them are available for the public.
Once known as the Krupp Diamond, this piece of jewelry was given as a present to actress Elizabeth Taylor by her then husband, Richard Burton, in 1968. Originally, the diamond belonged to Vera Krupp, yet soon became one of the most famous jewels worn by a celebrity.
The actress wore the diamond as a ring almost all the time, and considered it her favorite. After she passed away, it was renamed as The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, and in 2011 it was auctioned for more than 8 million dollars.
Initially named Le Bijou du Roi, or the King’s Jewel, and Le bleu de France, or the Blue of France; this famous gem was first found in India, from where it was mined and taken to France, where it became part of the Crown Jewels. After the French Revolution the jewel was stolen, and made it to the United States at the beginning of the 20th century, where it was owned by Pierre Cartier and, later on, Harry Winston.
The latter donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in 1958, and since then it has become part of their exhibition of jewels.
Featuring the largest yellow diamond ever mined, the Tiffany Yellow Diamond was discovered in South Africa and purchased by Charles Tiffany, from Tiffany & Co. This incredible gemstone has only been worn twice: the first time in 1957 by Mrs. Sheldon Whitehouse, and the second time, by actress Audrey Hepburn in 1961 for publicity photos for Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
The diamond has been exhibited at the Smithsonian and at the Somerset House in London.
Although many countries has their own, the crown jewels from the United Kingdom are arguably the most famous jewels in the world, and they include a wide variety of pieces which are usually worn during important ceremonies, such as coronations. The Great Star of Africa, St. Edward’s Crown, The Imperial State Crown, and the Koh-i-Noor diamond, are amongst the most famous pieces owned by the Royal Family.
Many of these jewels come from countries conquered by Britain in past years, and they have been worn by most of the rulers of this nation, thus giving it a profound historical importance.
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Check out what your eyes say about your personality without you even noticing it!
The first part we notice about someone’s face is usually the eyes. Here’s the information you can gather by just looking at their color and shape:
According to behavioral experiments, men pay particular attention to eye color, and some shades are deemed more trustworthy than others. According to studies, people with:
The shape of your eyes and the distance between them can also transmit a lot of information. People with:
Finally, what gives your eyes the last touch of character are your eyebrows. People with:
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Amongst the designer’s many unique quirks, his preference for using makeup for creating his fashion designs might be one of the most striking. Lagerfeld is known for using eye-shadows and nail polish from the Japanese brand Shu Uemura to create his illustration.
Other peculiarities include owning more than 100 iPods, and carrying multiple iPhones and iPads wherever he goes.
Perhaps one of the most famous and pampered pets in the world, Lagerfeld has usually expressed his profound love for his female cat, Choupette, a gorgeous Siamese feline. Most recently, the designer has decided to publish a book speaking about his cat’s life, and he has even joined the Japanese brand Shu Uemura to create a beauty collection inspired by Choupette.
The cat, who originally belonged to a French male model, now has personal maids, a chauffeur, luxurious accommodations, and even a Twitter account of her own.
After moving to Paris to finish his studies, Laferfeld won a design competition in 1955 which would launch his career. He was hired by Pierre Balmain –who was also Saint Laurent’s mentor- to work as his assistant. But after a few years, Lagerfeld began working with other labels, either through collaboration or freelance designs.
Chloé, Isetan, Charles Jourdan, Ballantyne, Diesel, H&M…are only a few of the labels with which Lagerfeld has collaborated throughout his long career.
Just like Coco Chanel usually changed the facts of her modest origins, Lagerfeld is also known for changing the date of his birthday in different interviews. A statement from his parents indicates he was born on 1933, but the designer has often denied the information, by saying he was born in 1935.
What is, in fact, known about the designer, is that he lived a privileged life in Germany due to his father’s established business.
Although he is a major name in the fashion world, that doesn’t mean that he’s not passionate about other creative fields. Karl Lagerfeld has also designed glassware for Orrefors, has worked into photography and film direction, and even owns his own publishing house called Lagerfeld Style, and an art and architecture bookstore called 7L.
Also interesting, even if Lagerfeld was interested in fashion since he was about 10 years old, he originally dreamt of being a cartoonist or illustrator, and is known for creating sketches on his iPad.
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Coco Chanel was a very eccentric character, which is why it’s not surprising that she made a hotel room her home. Specifically, the fashion designer moved in to room 302 of the Ritz Hotel in Paris in the early 30s, and lived there for more than 30 years, until she passed away. When she moved in, the designer brought her own furniture and decorated the place lusciously.
After Chanel died, the Ritz preserved and restored her possessions, and nowadays the room is one of the most expensive and attractive landmarks of the hotel.
Although Coco Chanel was fair-skinned throughout most of her life, she accidentally received a tan in 1923 as she was sailing on a yacht while visiting the French Rivera. When she arrived to her home, fans loved her look, and both celebrities and common folk began adopting it as a trend and thus attempted to look bronzed.
Sunbathing was popular before, yet fair skinned was regarded more highly than darker skin tones -that is, until Chanel.
Perhaps the darkest aspect of Coco Chanel’s life, according to investigators, the fashion designer was a numbered Nazi agent and sympathizer. Many believe she didn’t actively take part on the cause, yet she did have personal links with Nazis, and she took advantage of the anti-Semitic laws to try and regain control over her business, which was controlled by Jews.
However, Chanel was never charged of any crime, although she was questioned in 1949, and nowadays the claims of her connection to the Nazis still create controversy amongst historians.
Chanel came from very humble roots, with a mother who was a laundrywoman, and a father who peddled work clothes. As a child, she even had to live in an orphanage for some time, and as a young woman, she worked as a singer in a cabaret. Still, when Chanel talked about her infancy as an adult, she would usually change the truth to make it more glamorous.
She usually overlooked her stay at the orphanage, talked about a family fortune, and even tried to change the date of her mother’s passing.
Behind the Chanel brand there was an extremely intelligent woman whom managed to change fashion forever. Chanel redefined fashion by working on more liberating and tomboyish silhouettes for women. She also introduced the jersey fabric and costume jewelry as glamorous fashion statements, introduced exotic designs to her work, and created the little black dress.
Her iconic fragrance, the Chanel N° 5, was also one of the first perfumes to have a designer’s name associated with it, and its design holds a permanent spot in the MoMa’s collection.
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Yet Hitchcock’s ladies were also intelligent, brave, and often more powerful than their male counterparts. So to join the celebration, today we take a look at Hitchcock’s best female characters so we can learn a thing or two from them.
Played by the beautiful Ingrid Bergman, Dr. Constance specializes in psychoanalysis, and is relentless in her pursuit of the truth, which will lead her to uncover some dark secrets about the past of the man she loves. Intelligent, skilled, brave and passionate, Dr. Constance is one of Hitchcock’s most interesting female characters.
Bergman also starred in two other Hitchcock films: Notorious and Under Capricorn.
Like many of Hitchcock’s beauties, Eve Kendall is a beautiful blond woman with a tendency to challenge men with her wit, as well as acting cunningly to get what she wants. After falling in love with the main character, Eve, played by Eva Marie Saint, must find a way to get rid of the evil men she’s been working for, a task which will put her life at risk.
This was Eva Marie Saint’s only Hitchcock movie, yet it’s one of the most remembered from her career.
Although she is only in the film during a few minutes, Janet Leigh’s performance as Marion Crane in Psycho is perhaps the most commonly associated to Hitchcock. Beautiful, glamorous, but also quite crooked, Marion is an extremely interesting character with a strong will which leads her to commit a felony, with dire consequences.
Still, can we really blame her for trying to get some control over her own dull life?
The epitome of a sneaky seductress, Tippi Hedren’s most famous character is a sensual and witty blond woman called Melanie, who enjoys playing games with the main male character, until the game turns into a dark and dangerous reality which leads her to her doom. Extremely intelligent, Melanie is one of the most fascinating characters from Hitchcock films.
Hedren also starred in Hitchcock’s Marnie, yet the collaboration didn’t last long after the director’s infatuation with her proved too unbearable for the actress.
Attractive and courageous, Lisa, played by the gorgeous Grace Kelly, represents everything Hitchcock valued: beauty, cleverness and kindness. Lisa begins as a home-oriented, fashion-loving and dull woman, yet her curiosity and bravery soon takes her into a journey in which she’ll risk her own life to match the thirst for adventure of the man she loves.
And although Lisa does become more audacious in the end, she still has a place in her heart for her own little hobbies, as the last shot of the film, in which she sneakily reads a fashion magazine, proves.
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It’s common knowledge that Yves Saint Laurent incorporated a very modern spirit into the fashion he created, but that wasn’t all. Saint Laurent was the first couturier to delve into ready-to-wear fashion, the first designer to use ethnic models at his catwalks, and also the first designer to be honored at the Metropolitan Museum of Art while still alive.
His collections also included many firsts, and it’s not surprising that he’s now considered a visionary amongst the fashion designers of his time.
Saint Laurent was an exceptional artist from very early on, and with only 18 years he was introduced to renowned designer Christian Dior, who was marveled by the young man’s talent. His sketches were similar to those of Dior himself, and by suggestion of the editor of Vogue magazine, Dior hired Saint Laurent to work at his brand.
Dior even appointed him as his successor, and after passing away due to a heart attack, Yves became the head designer of the Christian Dior brand with only 21 years of age. After being called to war by the French army, he was fired from the brand, but always expressed his admiration for Christian Dior.
Saint Lauren’s life wasn’t easy. As a small boy, Yves was constantly teased by other children to his effeminate manners and appearance, an experience which transformed him into a very shy and nervous boy. Later on he was called to war, where he was also submitted to abuse and bullying by fellow soldiers, something that pushed him to be confined in a health institution.
These events would later trigger Saint Laurent’s problems with addiction and depression, which would last for the rest of his life.
Saint Laurent wasn’t afraid of pushing boundaries, as he often incorporated unexpected elements into his creations. However, he surprised the fashion world when he decided to pose naked on an advertisement for one of his brand’s perfumes. Saint Laurent tried to defeat society’s taboos, yet, since it was 1971, the shot was considered scandalous.
Since then, it’s become a revered photography and a testimony of Saint Laurent’s audacity, and designers such as Tom Ford have paid homage to it.
Today, the world of fashion recognizes Saint Laurent as a hero, and women, especially, owe a lot to him. The designer incorporated masculine elements into womenswear, popularizing the tuxedo for women, known as “Le Smoking”. But, on the other hand, he also appreciated flowing feminine attires, such as the “trapeze dress”, which he incorporated to the world of fashion during his first collection for Dior.
Saint Laurent perfected the androgynous look, and introduced essential pieces to women’s fashion, such as the sheer blouse, the pea coat, safari prints, and modern-art motifs. He also strongly believed in making fashion accessible, and in giving women freedom with wearable but stylish clothes.
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Penned by John Green, the author of the much beloved The fault in our stars, his 1st published book, Looking for Alaska, is a coming-of-age tale in which a young man called Miles “Pudge” Halter, who has a particularly tame life, is transferred into a new high school and meets a wonderful girl who changes his life forever, the troubled and beautiful Alaska Young.
The teenagers have a complex and dark relationship, which will develop into a tragic tale, and ultimately teach the protagonist about the inevitability of life and growing up.
One of the most wonderful coming-of-age tales, Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower is presented as a group of letters written by Charlie, a young and shy boy who moves into a new school after the suicide of one of his best friends. There, Charlie is fascinated by two misfits with complicated lives, Patrick, and his step-sister, Sam, who instantly steals his heart.
The book was adapted into the big screen in 2012 with Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller in the main roles, and taking considerable liberties from the original story, while maintaining the same moving quality of Chbosky’s tale.
With a different structure than the previous two items on this list, Kazuo Ishiguro tells a coming-of-age story from the point of view of an adult named Kathy who looks back at her teenage years after meeting with some of her old friends. By looking back, Kathy and her mates realize that what seemed to be a pleasant and wonderful life was actually far from it, since the school they attended hides a dark secret.
The book received numerous awards, and was turned into a film in 2010 with Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield playing the title roles.
Published in 1993, this classic book tells the story of five teenage sisters from an extremely conservative family, who face their isolation with rebelliousness after the youngest girl commits suicide. The story is told from the point of view of the neighborhood boys who are in love with them, as they try to deal with the tragic events that follow.
In 1999, Sofia Coppola directed a mildly successful film adaptation of the book starring Kirsten Dunst, James Woods and Danny Devito, amongst others.
Published in 2003, this moving tale penned by Khaled Hosseini tells the story of two young boys from Afghanistan with different socio-economic status who become dear friends until the political situation tears them apart. Amir is taken to another country, while his friend stays back suffering from the rising violence of his nation, until decades later he decides to come back and face his past.
A film adaptation hit theaters in 2007, and it was generally well received, with nominations from both the Golden Globe and the British Academy Film Awards.
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Although technically it isn’t a color, black is definitely a beloved hue for both men and women, since it’s widely considered a sign of elegance and class. According to color psychology, black represents power and authority, but it can also make you seem aggressive or unapproachable, as it transmits a sense of something hidden or protected.
It’s believed that wearing too much black can cause depression, and it can be a harmful color for the spiritual wellbeing of the person who wears it, which is why it’s widely recommended to accompany it with brighter hues. Also, without a matching attitude, black can be perceived as a symbol of submission to something else, so make sure you always look extra confident when you’re wearing it!
Commonly associated with passion, the color red has the surprising effect of raising people’s heartbeats when they see it. This makes it a very intense and stimulating color which can increase our levels of physical vigor, so if you’re in need of an energy-boost, this is the color to try.
However, although red is great for capturing everyone’s attention, it can also be perceived as an aggressive hue, so make sure you avoid it during activities which require negotiation. Also, avoid being exposed to too much red, since it can produce stress and anger.
The lighter shade of red, pink, is also quite a popular color, and it’s great for producing a calming effect, as well as conveying affection.
This popular color has been associated with wealth and luxury for a very long time, since it was once an exclusive hue that only rich individuals could wear. Since it’s a combination of red and blue, the color purple has traits from both hues, like red’s vitality and blue’s calmness. Although seemingly contradictory, this properties make purple an excellent hue for inducing thought and boosting your imagination.
Nonetheless, purple can also be perceived as artificial or ostentatious, and being surrounded by too much purple can also increase feelings of depression and anxiety.
The color of nature, green is one of the most popular colors amongst men and women, and it’s been associated to rebirth for a long time. Like purple, green is a combination of two primary colors, and shows properties linked to both: the calmness of blue, and the clarity of yellow. This makes green a nurturing hue, which is perceived as hopeful and harmonious, and it’s known for its soothing properties on the human mind.
Although it’s such a positive color, green, especially dark green, can convey an energy which is commonly associated with envy and diseases, so lighter shades are always preferred.
According to most studies, women and men are invariably attracted to the color blue. This hue is known for having calming effects on the human mind, since it boosts the production of soothing chemicals on the brain. It is also believed to represent loyalty and wisdom, as well as making things seem lighter and comfortable, making a favorite amongst those going to job interviews or work meetings.
Still, blue is also the color we commonly associate with coldness, so it can be perceived as aloof or conservative. Blue dyes are also perceived as unnatural, and one of its surprising effects is reducing appetite, since it’s related to toxic elements, so if you’re going on a diet you can use it to control your weight.
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Every World Cup presents a new mascot, official match ball, slogan and song in order to set the mood for the event, and also as part of their merchandising efforts. Here’s what you must know about the official symbols for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil:
This year’s mascot is a cute three-banded brazilian amardillo with a yellow body and a blue shell. These animals can roll on themselves and become a small ball in order to protect themselves from predators, and they live in dry habitats.
The mascot’s blue shell represents the sky and waters of Brazil, and his names derives from the combination of the words “Football” and “Ecology”, since he’s an ambassador for conservation.
For the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, sports brand Adidas created a match ball with colorful panels in green and orange. These hues represent traditional wish bracelets used in the country, and its name derives from a term used by Brazilians to represent their national pride.
The message and logo for the World Cup 2014 celebrates unity with a nod to Brazilian’s musical spirit with the slogan “Juntos num so ritmo”. The logo shows hands raising the World Cup trophy, thus representing victory.
Official songs have become popular for the World Cup events since the 60’s, and for the World Cup 2014 FIFA invited Latin-American artists with a global fanbase to create music for the ceremony. The official song is We are one (Ole Ola), yet artists such as Shakira, Ricky Martin, Sergio Mendes, Avicii, Carlos Santana, and others; have recorded secondary songs which can be found at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Official Album, titled One love, one rhythm.
The participating countries will be divided in 8 groups with 4 teams each, and led by the top 8 teams. The rest of the selection is done by chance, by drawing the names of the teams randomly. However, it was decided that every group must contain teams from different qualifying zones, except for European teams, from which a maximum of two teams can appear on the same group.
The groups for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil will be:
Brazil Croatia Mexico Cameroon |
Spain Holland Chile Australia |
Colombia Greece Ivory Coast Japan |
Uruguay Costa Rica England Italy |
Switzerland Ecuador France Honduras |
Argentina Bosnia Iran Nigeria |
Germany Portugal Ghana USA |
Belgium Algeria Russia South Korea |
Here are some curious facts about the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil you might not know:
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Unlike previous Disney films, the animators of “Sleeping Beauty” paid much attention to the stylistic aspects of the movie, giving it a truly unique artistic look. Guided by Eyvind Earle, the background designs were complex and each took about a week to complete. Live actors also served as models for the animators, so they could get human appearance and movements just right.
The film also used some interesting effects, like using a flame-thrower to create the sounds of the dragon. It was also the first Disney film to be shot on the –then- new 70 mm. format.
Ballet lovers must have recognized some of Tchaikovsky’s tunes in Disney’s version of “Sleeping Beauty”. That’s because most of the soundtrack was based on Tchaikovsky’s score for the ballet based on the same fairytale. However, the addition of lyrics and some rearrangements make it seem like a completely different score.
The soundtrack was recorded by the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, and it was commercialized with both the songs and the score of the film, an odd practice which would later become the standard.
Alongside “Black Cauldron”, which premiered in 1985, “Sleeping Beauty” the Disney film with the longest production. From 1951 to 1952, the script was planned and the voices were recorded, while the actual animation took from 1953 to 1958 to complete. The film cost the studio about $6 million, and almost caused its bankruptcy. Nonetheless, it was still the second highest-grossing film of 1959, when it was finally released.
Almost all of us can name the villain, fairies and even the two kings. However, it’s quite common in Disney films to find some secondary characters –and even some of the main ones- which apparently have no names at all. Yet, according to promotional material, some of the minor characters in “Sleeping Beauty” do have them, like Maleficent’s crow, whose name is “Diablo”, or Aurora’s mother, who is named “Queen Leah”.
You might be thinking: “The princess? A secondary character? No way!”. Well, even though the title of the film refers to her, Aurora is actually one of the characters who talks the least and she appears in just a few scenes of the movie. Indeed, the beautiful princess, whose appearance was based on Audrey Hepburn’s, only has 18 lines of dialogue and performs the two main songs.
In fact, the protagonists of the film are actually the three good fairies, which appear in most of the scenes and influence the actions that would lead to Maleficent’s doom.
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]]>To celebrate MJ’s revival, let’s take a look back at the top 5 highest-earning dead celebrities of 2013 according to Forbes’ ranking.
Born on February 6 of 1945, Robert Marley was a Jamaican singer who later on became the icon of reggae music. A symbol of counterculture, and a devoted Rastafarian and peace-promoter, Marley passed away from cancer on 1981. However, his legend has only grown since then, and his numerous children have carried on his musical legacy after his passing.
Through companies dedicated to music, beverages and even merchandise, the icon of Jamaican music managed to collect a grand total of $18 million from October of 2012 to October of 2013.
The gorgeous Queen of Hollywood, Elizabeth Taylor, was born in London on February 27 of 1932, yet she moved to the United States when she was only seven. From early on, she began participating in films, and soon became a child star. Her carrier skyrocketed during the 50s, as she gained the critics attention for her successful films. She became an icon of beauty and elegance, and her violet eyes are still revered even after she passed away on 2013.
Through her investments, her fragrance, and several auctions of her collections of jewelry and art, Mrs. Taylor managed to collect a sum of $25 million last year.
Born on November 26 of 1922, Charles Schulz is the beloved writer and cartoonist of the Peanuts comic strip which won over the world since 1950, when the first strip of this comic was released. Soon, Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of his characters gained the love of millions, with their adventures being translated into different languages, and turned into successful short films, TV shows and movies.
Charles Schulz passed away on February of 2000, yet his creations have still managed to gain approximately $37 million, especially after a deal for a digital Peanuts film which will premiere soon.
The King of Rock was born in a very humble family on January 8 of 1925. As a child, he always showed interest for music, and enjoy the tunes of Blues artists such as B.B. King. Inspired by them, he proceeded to record a few songs, gaining the attention of producers who noticed his impressive and unique talent. His voice and moves won over the audience during his TV debut on 1956, and soon became a controversial yet beloved music star.
Unfortunately, the King had an untimely dead, and passed away at 42, on 1977. Yet, through his post-mortem shows and his mansion at Graceland, he still managed to gain $55 million last year.
Born on August of 1958, Michael Jackson would grow up to become the most successful and controversial artist of the world, gaining the title of “King of Pop” after conquering charts with his wonderful music. After outgrowing his family act with the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson began a fruitful solo carrier, gaining the love of audiences and critics alike. Known for his wide imagination, his catchy tunes and the best music videos of all times, MJ is still considered the greatest musician of the world.
Although he passed away on 2009, MJ still managed to snatch a stunning sum of $160 million through the Cirque du Soleil shows inspired by him, plus record sales and copyrights on several artists.
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Thought waxing was a thing of our time? No such thing! Just like us, Egyptians despised body hair, and both men and women usually would wax their entire bodies until every bit of hair was gone from head to toe. The Egyptians created a special concoction using sodium carbonate which would make hair fall off from their bodies. Afterwards, they used donkey milk to prevent redness, and other solutions to keep their skin soft and youthful.
Egyptians loved pleasant smells, and used many tricks to keep their clothes and rooms properly scented. But what they loved most of all was to smell good themselves. Although they didn’t know how to create long lasting perfumes, Egyptians usually carried with them small bags with flowers and roots which released a nice-smelling liquid they used as a fragrance. They also used small tablets and scented cones which they wore above their heads.
Later on, the Egyptians created a way of making the aromas more long-lasting and began storing them in jars. These fragrances were also believed to have magic or even healing properties, and were also used to honor the gods.
If you’ve ever seen a picture depicting Egyptian art, you’ll notice how most of the figures in the paintings are quite slim and tall. Just like us, Egyptians valued being fit, and although they didn’t usually diet unless they needed to, they did keep an eye on their weight. Egyptians ate two strong meals a day and several snacks made of fruits or sweets during meals.
Since their jobs and entertainments often involved a lot of physical activity, they kept a fit figure, yet during the Alexandrine Period they also developed gymnasiums, inspired by the Greek.
Jewelry and amulets were precious to the Egyptians. So much so, that they even buried them on their tombs, believing they could take them on their trip to the next stage of life after they passed away. To create their accessories, they used materials such as ceramic, bones or even precious and semiprecious gemstones. They were also talented artisans, and depicted historic, mythological or natural motifs with great detail on their jewels.
Jewelry with chains, colorful necklaces, large engraved cuff bracelets, and pearls, were amongst their favorites, as well as different amulets for protection and numerous tiaras.
The Egyptians were amongst the first ancient culture which valued makeup highly. Large eyes were considered beautiful, so the Egyptians used kohl, a dark material based on grinded galena, as the perfect eyeliner to accentuate their eyes. As eye shadow, they used powdered malachite in green or blue hues, as well as grinded coral to make their lips look red.
They also used henna to paint their hands and feet, and also as a rudimentary nail polish which allowed them to paint their nails red.
We’ve often heard people say that ours is a generation which is obsessed with achieving eternal youth, either through surgeries, creams or treatments. But the Egyptians already considered staying young and beautiful as one of their main goals in life. To achieve it, they used herbs, minerals and other different natural materials to create concoctions which they drank regularly, as well as creating masks and creams which they applied on their faces to eliminate age wrinkles.
The Egyptians also protected their skin from premature aging by covering it from the sun and using natural peelings to keep their skin firm and young.
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The Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican-American holiday which takes place on May 5th, and commemorates the Battle of Puebla. The conflict had its origins in the Mexican Civil War, in which conservatives and liberals managed to make the economy of the country collapse. By then, Mexico was indebted to England, France and Spain, and the government declared that they couldn’t pay the debts given their condition.
The three European countries were enraged, and thus joined forces to make the Mexican government pay. However, the government managed to convince both Spain and England that they would pay their debt in the future, although France was not convinced. French forces stayed in the country and captured several Mexican cities.
On May 5, the French advanced towards the city of Puebla, in which the outnumbered Mexican army was secluded. Believing it would be an easy victory, the 6,000 French soldiers attacked the city. However, surprisingly, the Mexicans held their ground and managed to force the French army to retreat. The Mexican army persecuted the soldiers and managed to defeat them with more than 400 casualties.
Although the battle merely postponed the French victory which would come afterwards, the events became a beacon of national pride and hope for the Mexicans.
The celebration of the holiday began in Mexican-American communities of the United States during the American Civil Wars. Afterwards, the holiday gained popularity in Chicago, and, during the 80’s, it gained adepts all around the United States.
The Cinco de Mayo celebrations are very similar to that of St. Patrick’s Day. Just like this holiday, the Cinco de Mayo has become a day for celebrating heritage –in this case, Latin-American and Mexican legacy- especially in the United States, where Latinos and non-Latinos enjoy the holiday with extravagant parties in which the colors of the Mexican flag are predominant.
In Puebla, where the battle originally occurred, people go on parades, dance around the city, and sometimes reenacting the conflict by dressing as Mexican and French soldiers. In both Mexico and the United States, it’s also usual to enjoy typically Mexican music, dances and dishes.
Some of the most unique traditions celebrated during the Cinco de Mayo include visiting Irish bars in Los Angeles –where they visit Mexican bars on St. Patrick’s Day-, a large Mexican festival in Michigan, an air-guitar competition in the Cayman Islands, and a skydiving event in Vancouver, Canada.
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
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According to several interviews, Donatella was incited by her older brother, Gianni Versace, to change her look when she was only 11. The result: Donatella went platinum blond and began wearing heavy black eyeliner, and she was even suspended after wearing it to school. This distinct look became a vital part of her image which has remained unchanged until today.
Donatella Versace is perhaps one of the most prosperous fashion designers of the world, and she’s been known for using her success to give back to those in need. Donatella is one of the main patrons of her friend Elton John’s AIDS Foundation, and she’s also helped the ONE Foundation, which aids victims of natural disasters. In 2010, she received the Do Something With Style Award nomination at VH1’s Do Something Awards for her work with the latter.
The Italian designer is considered one of the most well-known fashion icons of modern times, and she’s been mentioned in multiple songs, movies, and other media. She’s been regularly spoofed in the TV show Saturday Night Live, she’s inspired songs such as Migos’ Versace and Lady Gaga’s Donatella, and she’s been played by Dania Deville in the film The Versace Murder, as well as Gina Gershon in Lifetime’s House of Versace.
After her beloved brother, Gianni Versace was tragically murdered, Donatella was named Creative Director of the Versace brand. She soon began working on expanding and improving it, by branching into other fields, such as perfume, home goods, and furniture. She also revitalized the haute couture line, Atelier Versace, successfully turning it into a modern and sensual label.
During the 80’s, Gianni Versace incorporated Donatella into the label, making her a vital part of the business as his confidant and critic. Noticing his talent, Gianni presented Donatella with her own brand called Versus in 1989. The clothing line closed temporarily from 2005 to 2009, when Donatella resurrected it with the help of designer Christopher Kane. After his departure, designer J.W. Anderson took his place in 2012.
The trend of getting celebrities to wear clothes by major fashion designers began with a sexy, green dress –known as the Jungle Dress- worn by singer Jennifer Lopez during the 42nd Grammy Awards in 2000. The dress caught everyone’s attention, successfully solidifying Donatella as one of the main fashion designers of the world. Soon, she began incorporating A-List celebrities in her campaigns, a trend that was soon followed by other major fashion houses. Celebrities such as Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé and, more recently, Lady Gaga, have been part of Versace’s frontline.
Donatella Versace was the youngest sister of renowned Italian designer Giovanni –Gianni- Versace, who encouraged her to follow her love for fashion and become part of the industry. During the 80’s, Gianni turned to Donatella for help and advice. She collaborated actively in the creation of many fashion shows, as well as giving Gianni feedback on his designs. According to interviews, Donatella became Gianni’s main inspiration and partner.
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One of the most famous characters in literature is definitely Alice, from Lewis Carroll’s stories: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel, Through the Looking Glass. In both books, Alice is portrayed as a very curious and unusual child with a great imagination and a tendency to ask a lot of questions, often baffling the characters around her.
Through both books, Carroll criticized the normative of the very strict Victorian society, watching it from the innocent perspective of his main character, whom is a feisty and incredibly smart young girl. Therefore, it’s no wonder Alice has survived the test of time, becoming one of the most beloved literary characters in history.
Elizabeth Bennet is the main character from the classic Pride and Prejudice, penned by beloved author, Jane Austen. This wonderful heroine is the oldest of five sisters, and the smartest and most rational of all the women of her family, which is why she embarks in a hilarious adventure of emotions as her favorite sister falls in love with a man above her socioeconomic status while she is also pursued by a wealthy yet aloof man, Mr. Darcy.
Like some of the other characters created by Austen, Elizabeth is stubborn, intelligent, critical and strong. However, she remains the most popular amongst readers for her feisty nature, her warm heart, and her rectitude.
Jane Eyre is the main character of the homonymous book written by English author Charlotte Brontë. Her story is full of hardships and suffering, for Jane is unfairly mistreated and abused during her childhood by her family and mentors. However, Jane’s indomitable spirit, her intelligence and her immeasurable strength help her overcome her adversities and become a strong woman.
Jane Eyre is one of the most popular female characters amongst readers, due to her strong sense of morality and her good heart.
One of the most recent great female characters created, Lyra Belacqua, is the main protagonist of author Philip Pullman’s series of books: His Dark Materials. Lyra appears first in The Golden Compass, and immediately captures the reader’s heart with her rebelliousness and kind disposition. Like Alice, Lyra is a curious, imaginative and smart little girl who grows up into a strong young woman as the story progresses.
A faithful friend, strong fighter and caring person, Lyra is one of the most wonderful literary characters from the last century.
One of the few female characters who appears in J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary saga, The Lord of the Rings, Éowyn is a fan favorite due to her strength and the story her unrequited love. Éowyn appears in the second book of the series, The Two Towers, in which she is introduced as the niece of King Théoden. Against his wishes, she disguised herself as a man called Dernhelm and joined the war against the enemies of Gondor. With the help of the hobbit Merry she even defeated the Witch-King of Angmar.
Unlike characters such as Goldberry or Arwen, Éowyn takes an active part on the battleground and is not afraid to put her life at risk to defend her beliefs and the people she’s meant to protect, making her one of the bravest female characters of our list.
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Due to their ability of having numerous offspring, rabbits are considered in many cultures a symbol of fertility, which is a common theme of spring. Egyptians linked bunnies to the moon, while in Europe they were the favorite animal of the goddess of fertility: Eostre. According to the Celtic legend, their god even turned into a giant rabbit with each full moon.
But the tradition of linking rabbits with Easter and spring began in Germany, where it was turned into an equivalent of Santa Claus for springtime, receiving the name of Osterhase, and later becoming the beloved Easter Bunny.
The tradition of exchanging Easter eggs derives from ancient cultures, many of which linked fertility, birth and life with eggs, given the fact that all living creatures start, in one way or another, by being an egg. Persians and Egyptians usually exchanged eggs dyed with red paint to celebrate spring, while Greeks and Romans adopted the tradition and added different colors. Later on, Christians also embraced this custom, and during the first years they dyed eggs in a red tint as a way of representing Christ’s resurrection.
The ritual has survived until this day. Some of the most famous Easter eggs were created in Russia by jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé, who designed many complex boxes shaped as luxurious-looking eggs which hid little trinkets and surprises.
It’s widely believed that wearing new clothes during Easter will bring the wearer good luck during the rest of the year. However, originally, this custom derived from ancient cultures which celebrated festivals in honor of the arrival of spring. During that time it was believed that new clothes represented renewal and the beginning of better times, which are key elements of Easter.
Early Christian adopted this pagan tradition, and in 300 A.D. the emperor Constantine decreed that it was mandatory for people to wear their newest and finest clothes to celebrate the end of Lent. This ritual continued during the Medieval Ages, and people began to believe that unless they wore new clothes they would suffer from bad luck.
In the 19th century, the tradition of the Easter Parade began, and people, particularly women, took place in it while wearing their best and most colorful clothes.
The word Easter derives from the name of two European deities: the Celtic Eostre and the Anglo-Saxon Ostara. Both of them were similar female figures whom were linked to springtime, fertility and light, and they were very popular amongst the pagan cultures, which every year held large and extravagant celebrations in their honor.
Once Europe began turning into Christianity, the Christians realized that they should keep some of the important festivities of the pagans and simply turn them into their own beliefs by changing names and the significance of rituals. This was seen as an easier of way of converting the non-believers and perpetuating their customs, which is why Easter, like Christmas, is a celebration full of both Christian and pagan symbolism.
Happy Easter, everyone!
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Have you ever wondered how Easter is celebrated in other countries? Well, read on and discover the 6 most bizarre Easter traditions from all around the world!
While in the United States it’s customary to simply give children beautifully decorated eggs and other treats, in Finland the celebration is quite different. During Easter, the children decorate their faces with soot, bundle up in thick and colorful jackets and scarves, and go around the streets begging for treats while carrying brooms and coffeepots. The children receive chocolate eggs, but also a desert called mämmi.
The celebration is much more similar to Halloween than the American Easter traditions, and in some places of Finland people will even light up bonfires to keep witches away.
One of the most beautiful Easter traditions from all over the world occurs in Guatemala, where during the entire Holy Week the locals enjoy different religious celebrations. For the main parade, the Guatemalan people decorate the street creating a long temporary carpet using elements such as sawdust, flowers and vegetables. This carpets depict different motifs: from local flora and fauna, to masks, coats of arms, etc.
Later on, a procession depicting the last days of Christ follows the trail signaled by the carpets until they reach the local church.
In Poland and Hungary, it’s tradition to throw water at others during Easter. In Poland, this ritual receives the name of Smingus-Dyngus, and it consists on boys and young men throwing water with buckets or squirt guns at other persons walking by. It’s also believed that women who are drenched will marry within a year.
In Hungary the celebration also relates to women, since it’s believed that water is linked to their fertility. The tradition is called Ducking Monday, and it involves men throwing perfumed water on girls while asking for a kiss.
Perhaps one of the most bizarre and unique Easter traditions occurs in Norway. In this country, the Easter break is a little longer than in other European countries, and that free time is spent enjoying literature with elements like crime and puzzles. This odd preference has even spurred an entire new genre of books called Easter-Thrillers or Påskekrimmen.
Other industries have also jumped on the Easter-Thriller mania, with newspapers and even milk and cereal cartons showing murder and crime short stories on them.
You might know by now that Easter eggs are a tradition imported from Europe. What you might not know is how seriously some of the countries take their Easter eggs in that continent. Places like Switzerland, for example, are known for decorating places with water –such as fountains and wells- with long garlands which include Easter eggs and colorful bows.
In places like Germany, they take the tradition a little bit further by decorating entire trees, hanging Easter eggs on all the branches.
The most bizarre of Easter traditions will probably upset many women, so make sure you’re careful if you’re visiting the Czech Republic or Slovakia during Easter. In this countries, men create handmade whips with willow branches and decorate them with ribbons. Then, they take them to the street and playfully spank or whip women who walk by in order to transfer the tree’s fertility into them.
The ritual isn’t meant to cause any pain, although it might seem quite inappropriate, and it’s believed to symbolize youth and beauty for the spring season.
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Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the most celebrated French emperors who extended his power and might in Europe, may have been regarded as a dictator, but apart from his military ideals, the emperor had a softer heart and avowed love for Josephine De Beauharnais, who became his first wife. He proposed to her on 9th March, 1796 and later on surprised her with an amazing gift of a ring a few days before the eve of their engagement.
Notably, there was a huge difference between the couple’s ages with Josephine being 32 years at then, 6 years older than Napoleon and a widow with two children. Hence, the news of their marriage didn’t go well with most people especially Napoleon’s family. Finally, the couple divorced in 1810 since Josephine didn’t bear him a son which meant no heir to the throne upon his demise.
The diamond and sapphire engagement ring was Napoleon’s offer to her and later on he send numerous love letters and other several precious gems during his absence as he guided the French in their successful invasion of Italy. Josephine treasured the ring and she gave it to her own daughter Hortense, who became the Queen of Holland. The ring possession later went to Hortense’s son, Napoleon III and his wife, Empress Eugenie, whose family the relic still belongs.
Today, the same ring has been sold in auctions with bidders competing to have it in their possession. In the Osenat, Paris auction the ring had been put in an estimate value of $20,000 on the basis of the current market value of the ring and without it being connected to Napoleon and Josephine.
The catalog price of the ring was based on the judgment that Napoleon had little money and power at the time he bought it and that the ring was ordinary. As it seems, at the time of purchase, Napoleon was a young and an ambitious officer and must have broken his wallet to purchase the engagement ring. Moreover, the quality of the ring makes its price to be at around $20,000 in the market today.
The start of the Osenat auction saw the bids going for as low as 10,000 euros, which later stepped up to 50,000 euros, almost the double the catalog price, and the price relentlessly went up higher and higher to $100,000, and later the bid became humorous when a bid of $650,000 was declared. In the end, the gavel ended up with a winning bid of 730,000 euros or approximately $950,000. The winner requested not to be named, but it became known that he a businessman.
The Osenat auction house, Fontainebleau bidding seemed to have been fun and humorous and some of the information about it can be found on the auction house’s live website today. In fact, no one anticipated for it to be sold about 47 times the catalog price, but the bidders were 300 in the Fontainebleau auction house, 50 international bidders who send their bids by making a call and 40 bidders who send an email, mainly from the US. Basically, the auction treated the ring with modesty and this explains the low catalog price. However, its historical significance is what made the ring’s price to skyrocket and the auction attracting many bidders including international ones.
What is notable is that the highest bid of $950,000 is without additional charges and commission, and some estimates give the final figure close to $1.17 million. As such, the historical importance of the ring cannot be belittled because even after a series of affairs, remarriage and exile at St. Helena, Napoleon still recognized Josephine and in his last words he mentioned her, “France. The army. The head of the army. Josephine”.
Napoleon's wife engagement ring has two pear shaped gems, a blue sapphire and a diamond, that are counterpoised to each other. The carat weight of the two gems is less than one carat each, but its design seems simple and of high quality. The golden ring is poised because it is derived from the 18th century setting known as toi et moi meaning You and Me, and that it once belonged to an Empress of France, Josephine. Therefore, it might have seemed to be an unappealing ring to many because of the age and names attached to it, but the historical premium sale became a megahit in a recent auction in France.
Brenda Panin is a market researcher and a part time writer interested in dynamic gold market. In her free time Brenda enjoys writing and researching, always on the lookout for something new. She enjoys seeing her readers getting useful information from her articles.
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One of the most popular and long lasting St. Patrick’s Day traditions occurs each year on Chicago, Illinois. There, people and buildings celebrate the holiday by fully dressing up in green and going on enormous parades. However, one of the most popular practices consists in dyeing the river green especially for the holiday.
A group of volunteers drive in motorboats through the Chicago River, and release a mysterious formula that makes it take a bright green color. The dye only lasts for six to twelve hours, and authorities assure it doesn’t damage the ecosystem gravely.
This St. Patrick’s Day tradition started on 1962, as a suggestion of the Chicago Plumbers Union.
A very popular St. Patrick’s Day tradition which began in the United States are the parades. These events take place in several cities around the world, with New York hosting the largest, while Arkansas hosts the shortest version. During these festivities, popular symbols from the Irish culture are easy to spot: from leprechauns to shamrocks, everyone celebrates Irish heritage with traditional music, food and folkloric characters. Afterwards, friends and family gather around to enjoy a feast, drink and play games.
This tradition originated after the Irish Famine emigration pushed millions of Irishmen to go to North America. As one of the most prominent cultures of the United States, the parade became a way of recognizing and celebrating their Irish heritage.
Since many Irishmen settled on Caribbean islands, St. Patrick’s Day became a national holiday in some of them, including Montserrat, where they celebrate the Irish and African mixed heritage. During St. Patrick’s Day, the island remembers both St. Patrick and an uprising of African slaves with a Freedom Run: a parade which commemorates the emancipation of both cultures.
Creole food, local music and masked dancers, are part of this Caribbean version of the holiday.
It’s not uncommon to see people dressed up as leprechauns during the St. Patrick’s Day parades. It’s widely believed that these popular characters from the Irish folklore wear a top hat with a clover, as well as a full suit in green, and they’re known for being tricky and mischievous, and some follow their steps by playing pranks during the holiday.
One of the most popular traditions consists in people from the Shamrock Club –a group of Irish residents in New London, Wisconsin- dressing up as leprechauns and changing highway signs of the town so they read “New Dublin”.
Perhaps the oddest, yet most popular of St. Patrick’s Day traditions, consists in making everyone dress up in green. From full green outfits to green jewelry, everyone must doll up in their best green attire, or else they run the risk of being pinched by leprechauns during St. Patrick’s Day.
Originally, the traditional color of St. Patrick’s Day was blue, yet green found its way into the holiday for an array of reasons: green is associated to the Irish landscape, as well as the shamrocks which were used by St. Patrick for explaining the Christian trinity; and in popular folklore, it was believed green made you invisible to leprechauns, which is why it’s very important to wear it during the parades.
So now you know: don’t forget to wear something green today!
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Today, we help you appreciate this event by telling you part of the history and facts of this worldwide celebration.
The International Women’s Day is a holiday which commemorates the hard work of numerous activists whom fought for gender equality and the human rights of women. The date was set in 1975 by the United Nations, but Women’s Day was celebrated before that.
The first National Woman’s Day was held on February 28th of 1909 in the United States, as a way of commemorating women’s strikes for better work conditions. Socialist parties from other countries used this as an inspiration to hold meetings in support of women’s rights, making a particular emphasis on achieving the right to work, job equality and the right to vote.
During the 20th century, many celebrations of Women’s Day were held during different dates, sometimes including protests and assembles. It became increasingly popular and gained international support, but it wasn’t until 1945, when the United Nations signed an agreement to support equality between men and women.
The United Nations designated 1975 as the International Women’s Year, and March 8th as the set date for celebrating the International Women’s Day. It’s popularly believed that a strike demanding better work conditions occurred on March 8th of 1908, but it wasn’t so, and most of the events held throughout the 20th century didn’t occur on March 8th.
The only notable exception is the Bread and Peace protest, held by Russian women during March 8th of 1917. During this rally, women expressed their opposition to the death of millions of Russian soldiers at the war, and days later the Czar Nicholas was forced to abdicate. It’s possible that the date inspired the women’s movement to set March 8th as the official holiday for the International Women’s Day.
Since then, it has been celebrated in different ways and accepted in many countries as an official holiday. In some countries, men are encouraged to give their mothers, wives, daughters and friends a small gift; while in others the day is commemorated through demonstrations and local events.
Amidst the 90’s, it also became common for the United Nations to designate a theme for the International Women’s Day of each year, as a way of producing awareness regarding the achievements or conflicts which women continue to face.
For 2014, the theme will be Equality for women is progress for all, and an event at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York will be held during March 7th to commemorate the holiday.
So now you know all about the International Women’s Day. We have come very far, but remember: there’s still a long road ahead!
Happy Women’s Day!
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Welcome February! Here are the essential details you must know about this month’s official birthstone: the Amethyst! Read on and discover its properties!
Is someone close to you celebrating their birthday this month? Why not getting them our gorgeous Lilac earrings with amethysts and quartz?
February’s Amethyst is a unique gemstone which contains quartz, one of the most common minerals. The Amethyst’s color ranges from mauve to purple, and if heated, it can also turn brown, red, green, or even turn into citrine. However, the most popular hue of Amethyst is purple, since this shade is commonly related to royalty, for there was a time when purple dyes were pricy and scarce, and could only be worn by the richest. The Egyptians, Greeks and British royals favored jewels with amethysts, since they were a symbol of status and power.
The Greeks also related the Amethyst with sobriety. According to a myth, Dionysus sent his tigers to attack a human as a way of taking revenge upon the goddess Artemis, who had enraged him. The maiden Amethyst was thus attacked as she approached the shrine of Artemis, and she called out for her help. The goddess then turned her into a stone, and Dionysus repented, pouring wine over the gem and making it turn purple. From then on, the stone was placed on cups and goblets, to fight the intoxication caused by the liquor.
The Victorians believed the Amethyst could help their wearers with their addictions by relieving the symptoms derived from withdrawal, as well as giving them peace of mind and sharpening their intellectual skills. According to the Birthstone Poem:
The Amethyst is specifically related to those born between January 21 and February 19, in other words, those born under the Aquarius zodiac sign.
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Are you curious about the meaning behind the Chinese New Year? Here are the things you must know to understand and celebrate the Year of the Wooden Horse!
The origins of the Chinese Zodiac are quite blurry. Some believe it has to do with the agrarian practices of the earlier residents of China, while others have tied it with their astronomy and religion. Unlike the Western Zodiac, the signs of the Chinese Zodiac are determined by year, and each year is ruled by a different animal: rat, cow, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog or pig.
According to the legend, Buddha –or in some accounts, the Emperor- invited the animals to a banquet at his palace, and after lots of trickery and feuds, the order in which the animals arrived was used to the determine the cycle in which the twelve animals would be arranged in the Zodiac.
The animals are grouped in categories of five elements, which are useful for defining the characteristics of the person born under it. They’re: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth. Each animal has a fixed element, but it’s also found in the other categories, which is why although the Horse belongs to the Fire element, this year it’s related to Wood. Every animal goes through all the elements every 12 years, and it takes 60 years for it to return to its’ fixed element.
The Chinese Zodiac is useful for determining people’s fortunes as well as their age.
This is due to the type of calendar used to define the dates. The Chinese New Year is determined by a lunisolar calendar, meaning it’s based on the cycle of the moon and the rotation of the earth around the sun. In this calendar, each month has about 28 days, and the years last between 353 to 355 days.
The Chinese New Year is celebrated during the second new moon after the winter solstice, which is determined by very complex calculations. This usually falls somewhere between late January and February, when it’s early spring in China, and the celebration lasts around two weeks.
The horse is considered a royal, social and intelligent creature. When related to wood, it also means the person under this element is a hard worker, grounded, generous and progressive. They’re great leaders, and are amongst the favorite signs of the Zodiac.
For people with other zodiac signs, the combination of animal and element can be either detrimental or good. The horse’s best partners are the Dog and the Tiger, while the Rat is considered an enemy of the Horse, therefore making this a hard year for those born under this sign.
As we’ve mentioned before, the Chinese Zodiac is a cycle which repeats itself every 12 years. To determine your sign in the Chinese Zodiac you must take a look at a chart, like the one below:
Keep reading!
Happy holidays!
Christmas traditions derive from practices of many non-Christian religions and cultures. For the Greeks, for example, the plant was a symbol of fertility, and people kissed under it during the festivities. The Nord mythology, however, states that this plant was the only element which could harm the goddess Frigga’s son, Baldur, and after he was killed with it, she revived it and decreed that mistletoe could never be used for harm again, but instead anyone who passed under it would be protected from death and deserved a kiss.
On one hand, the Christmas presents derive from the Christian mythology, where the Three Wise Men gave the baby Jesus some gifts to celebrate his birth and honor him. However, this also derives from the Saturnalia festivities, during which the Romans traded gifts. Both traditions combined, and nowadays it’s common to exchange presents during the Holidays.
Non-Christian cultures used wreaths and Christmas tree as a way of connecting with nature, and evergreen plants were used during winter to symbolize rebirth. It wasn’t until the 16th century when it turned into a Christmas traditions after the Germans began decorating trees inside their houses, perhaps as a remnant of the pagan traditions.
Santa Claus derives from a monk caller Nicholas, who was believed to help the poor and sick and perform acts of kindness. His myth grew, and he became a popular saint amongst the Christians. During the 18th century, the story of Sinter Klaas –Nicholas’ Dutch nickname- grew in popularity, and Holiday advertisements soon began showing the image of Santa Claus. As time passed, his legend grew and changed, until finally becoming the jolly good man we know today as Santa.
For the Christians, Christmas means the celebration of their main religious figure: Jesus Christ. During the 4th century, the Christians wished to attract the pagan masses, and thus they turned to one of the most popular holidays of the time: the Roman Saturnalia, during which people committed heinous crimes and punished their enemies. This celebration occurred from December 17 to December 25, and since it bared no resemblance to the Christian traditions, they named the last day as Jesus Christ’s birthday in order to mesh it with the pagan holiday and gain acceptance amongst the non-Christians.
Now you know where many of this Holiday’s traditions come from!
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December 25, 2013
Sol Rivero.
“Vegan fashion” is the name given to fashion products which avoid using materials that derive from animals, like skins or furs, just like a vegan diet avoids the consumption of animals or products supplied by them (for example: dairy products).
The concern from animals’ wellbeing derives from independent investigations in which it was discovered that the fur and food industry injure animals, subjecting them to tortuous practices and even endangering the survival of their species.
The main products to avoid are: leather, silk, fur, alligator skin, snake skin, kangaroo skin, suede, wool, angora, pashmina, cashmere, shearling, camel hair, mohair, alpaca and fleece. Many of these items are stripped from living animals –like furs and skins-, while others are harvested by killing them –like silk.
To replace these products opt for synthetic items, faux furs and plant textiles, like cotton, polyester, rayon, nylon, denim and linen.
Many designers and stores are either fully vegan or have fur-free programs. The best way to know how they treat animals is to check out their policies and the tags of their items, or directly question them about which kind of products they use.
Brands such as H&M, Kenneth Cole, Forever 21, Macy’s, Target, and designers such as Stella McCartney, have fashionable vegan options for the animal-friendly fashion lovers.
What do you think about vegan fashion?
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December 17, 2013
Sol Rivero.]]>
The cartoon character looks stylish with this gorgeous gown in black and white. The original dress was created by Dior, and the iconic photo was taken by Richard Avedon.
This beautiful dress by Valentino in all black and white piping is one of the most gorgeous moments of fashion history.
Recreating the original photo by Pierre-Louise Pierson, Marge looks elegant with a gray gown and pearl accessories.
Marge embodies the playful pose of the iconic film star, Marilyn Monroe.
In this picture, the character recreates the famous black dress and beautiful layered pearls of fashion designer Coco Chanel.
One of the most beautiful icons of fashion history, Marge dresses up as Audrey Hepburn with her gorgeous statement necklace with pearls and lovely, snug black gown.
Which one is your favorite?
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November 27, 2013
Sol Rivero.
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